RAF retires MQ-9 Reaper after 18 years of operational service

The Royal Air Force (RAF) has concluded the operational use of the MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft after 18 years, marking a significant transition in its airborne capabilities. The final Reaper mission was carried out by XIII Squadron, closing a chapter that began in 2007 with the aircraft’s deployment to support UK forces in Afghanistan.

Over the course of its service, the Reaper fleet accumulated more than 173,000 flight hours. These missions included participation in Operation Shader, contributing to coalition efforts against Daesh in Iraq and Syria. The aircraft became a mainstay of RAF operations in the Middle East, with crews operating from RAF Waddington in the UK.

“Over the last 18-years, the Reaper Remotely Piloted Air System has been the backbone of RAF operations in the Middle East. Its capabilities have been critical in supporting UK and Coalition forces, and it has made a significant contribution to the RAF’s ability to be Agile, Integrated and Ready to fly and fight,” said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth.

The retirement of the MQ-9 Reaper coincides with the introduction of the MQ-9B Protector, a new remotely piloted aircraft system designed to expand operational reach and mission diversity. The Protector is equipped with advanced sensors and offers a flight endurance exceeding 40 hours, enabling extended surveillance, search and rescue, and armed missions in coordination with NATO allies.

The transition to the Protector reflects a broader modernization of the RAF’s remotely piloted aircraft capabilities. According to RAF leadership, the end of Reaper operations required close coordination among highly skilled teams over nearly two decades. The shift to the MQ-9B is expected to enhance the operational flexibility of XIII Squadron and align with evolving mission requirements.

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